Etihad Airways launches Atlanta route, expands US network with fifth city

Dubai: Etihad Airways has landed in Atlanta for the first time, officially adding the US city to its growing global network and marking its fifth U.S. gateway, following New York, Chicago, Washington DC, and Boston.

The new route between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport launched on July 2, operating four times weekly using Etihad’s Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Due to exceptionally strong early demand, daily service is set to begin by November 2025.

The move is part of Etihad’s broader North American expansion strategy, aimed at meeting growing travel demand between the UAE and the US for business, leisure, and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travellers.

“Atlanta is a dynamic city with deep cultural, economic, and aviation significance,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. “This new service enhances access to the southeastern United States while offering seamless connections across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia.”

Etihad’s A350-1000 features the airline’s latest onboard product, including 44 Business Suites with sliding doors, lie-flat beds, wireless charging, Bluetooth headphone pairing, and an 18.5-inch entertainment screen. The aircraft also features 327 Economy Smart Seats with 13-inch touchscreens, USB-C ports, and free messaging on Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

US passengers departing Abu Dhabi also benefit from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance at Zayed International Airport — the only facility of its kind in the region — allowing travellers to arrive in the U.S. as domestic passengers, streamlining entry procedures on arrival.

Etihad’s Atlanta service is expected to boost inbound tourism to Abu Dhabi, providing southern U.S. travellers easier access to the capital’s mix of modern attractions and rich heritage — from white-sand beaches and desert adventures to theme parks, museums, and luxury hospitality.

“The response to this route has been phenomenal,” Neves added. “It’s a clear sign that travellers are eager to discover everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

With the U.S. market continuing to show strong travel appetite post-pandemic, the launch of the Atlanta route positions Etihad to capitalise on one of America’s most influential transportation hubs while continuing to promote Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination for leisure and business.